The ceremony/meditation in the morning was a little bit too much of a construed 'experience' for me. It was very well done and gave an idea, but I admit I had expected more to partake in the spiritual life of the monastery. Probably, that was unrealistic and, with a small monastery (7 monks) and uninitiated, mostly foreign guests, this is as much as one can hope for.

Very friendly staff, beautiful and historical location and grounds, absolutely fabulous dinner and breakfast, really nice and spacious tatami room with futons. Small but nice onsen bathing facility. Possibility to partake in circa 1 hour ceremony/meditation early morning, which was well very organized and accessible, with seating, communication in English on screens, and a 'varied' program (chant, sutra reading, incense ceremony, meditation).

Stayed in August 2025

A wonderful visit and highly recommended.

Stayed in July 2025

Aside from the rather high price, everything else was excellent. It's a unique experience, not to be confused with a stay in a typical hotel. The food is amazing, and every detail is meticulously attended to. Anyone who knows why they're coming here will be delighted.

Stayed in July 2025

Everything! Food was wonderful! Room was beautiful. Best night sleep.

Stayed in July 2025

From the reception to the checkout, everything was perfect. The monks were friendly and extremely helpful as well as being discrete. The complex is set back from the road so it is really peaceful. Dinner is served around 17:30 and is absolutely delicious. You are in a private room screened off from the other guests. The dinner is a highlight of the stay in Koya-san. I would just advise that this experience is not really recommended for younger kids and teenagers with limited food options. Dressing up in a yukata may be fun but a 9pm curfew and peaceful atmosphere isn't conducive to rest and relaxation either for them or the other guests. If you intend to do the night tour of the cemetery just remember the curfew. In summer nightfall is around 7:30. Before breakfast we participated in the morning service with everything explained in English A unique experience on Koya-san and an interesting insight into Buddhist practice.

Stayed in June 2025

Had a run in with a spider, but the staff is super helpful and know what to do!

Enjoyed the process and surrounding beauty. We checked in super early to open arms and settled into our spacious room which included an amazing tub with a view of the forest. It is located near a famous manju store that we enjoyed immensely, and also close to Okunoin while being tucked away in a peaceful setting. The dining experience was great and I can compare it to another more costly temple I experienced before too. Especially enjoyed the morning prayer because it sums it all up for you. If you add the Okunoin night tour you will not regret it!

Stayed in June 2025

Please note that this is not a wheelchair accessible place.

Five of us stayed in a large room with its own bathroom, all very comfortable and beautiful. Really excellent vegan dinner and breakfast.

Stayed in May 2025

It was a fantastic stay but also very basic

Stayed in May 2025

Everything was excellent, highly recommend a stay. We did two nights and this gave us the time to enjoy our experience and visit the shrines and cemetery.

Exceptional and outstanding property. Calm and serene ambience , beautifully maintained. The staff were always respectful and ensured our stay met all expectations. Our room was wonderful, private bath , comfortable and lovely garden / forest outlook.

Stayed in June 2025

Some people in my group would have liked to shower in the morning

The people were extremely polite and helpful. The food is outstanding and we loved the morning meditation.

Stayed in May 2025

Futon very thin so sleeping was difficult. No shower or bath in room. Had to bathe in onsen with limited hours.

Location, food. It was an amazing unique experience.

Stayed in May 2025

The futon could have had more padding

Everything!

Stayed in May 2025

This is a small thing, but our visit was at a time when the area was snowy which we didn't expect. Other than the dining areas and private rooms the temple was very very cold and so our shoes at the front were not able to dry off.

This was a beautiful temple in Koya San and a truly memorable stay! Our family of 4 thoroughly enjoyed our private room and loved staying in a traditional japanese room. The meals served (both dinner and breakfast) were excellent and beautifully presented. The temple ceremony in the morning was also very nice. Though it was extremely cold during our visit our room was very cozy and welcoming. Would definitely recommend as this was a truly special experience.

Stayed in March 2025

10AM checkout

breakfast veg/eclectic

Stayed in May 2025

Futon beds were very hard

The morning service was beautiful.

Stayed in May 2025

I appreciated that this shukubo reminded guests that it is a working temple. It felt less “touristy” since guests were very respectful.

Stayed in March 2025

Rooms are big, diner was delicious, the place is beautiful and quiet. It was a great experience to attend the morning meditation.

Stayed in May 2025

Nothing

Beautiful and special ceremony

Stayed in May 2025

Truly unique experience. Food was delicious. The staff wasn’t awesome and morning prayers where amazing to be a part of

Stayed in April 2025

The facilities, food and staff were all great and even though it is a bit expensive, it was an unforgettable experience.

Stayed in April 2025

The only downside was that it was pretty chilly in the communal areas, and during the morning service.

Everything was perfect.

Stayed in March 2025

Nothing. It was exactly what we had hoped for.

Beautiful location in Koyasan. The rooms were modern but classic, the grounds lovely and peaceful. Perfect location for walking to the temples and shrines in the World Heritage Site.

Stayed in April 2025

The tranquility and atmosphere of this temple stat was extraordinary. We were so privileged to experience the morning meditation and enjoy the grounds. The dinner and breakfast was unique and beautifully presented. The taste of each element was exquisite. We also did a night walk through the cemetery and the village of Mount Koyasan the next day. Thank you for such a serene experience and welcoming us into your temple.

Stayed in April 2025

Great hotel! Friendly monks! Was an amazing experience to participate in temple’s meditation. We also enjoyed the food! Highly recommended!

Stayed in February 2025